Item No. 14

File No. 1258

REVISED TO ADD SPONSOR

RESOLUTION PROPOSING CLEAN ENERGY COMMITMENT

WHEREAS, the West Hartford Town Council promotes conservation and the study of the use of renewable energy sources; and

WHEREAS, electricity generation produces more harmful air pollution than any other single human activity and emission from traditional methods trigger asthma attacks and contribute to other respiratory illnesses, as well as contribute significantly to global warming; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. energy needs are expected to grow by 33% over the next 20 years and clean technologies can be generated and distributed right in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, the Connecticut Legislature has mandated the creation of a clean energy option for consumers who will be able to sign up for clean energy on their electric bill; and

WHEREAS, the Community Planning and Physical Services Committee has consulted with The Clean Water Fund and reviewed information on the State’s 20% by 2010 Campaign as well as the electric companies Smart Power initiative;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council, with a commitment to the health of its citizens, commits the town of West Hartford to the 20% by 2010 campaign where, by the year 2010, the town’s municipal facilities will purchase 20% of energy needs from clean energy sources and that the town staff will investigate all options for meeting that goal and beginning the purchases as soon as possible, including purchasing RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates), local clean energy installations and possible state and federal funding opportunities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the town staff explores the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program that provides qualified cities and towns with clean energy systems, free of charge, by meeting certain requirements. The benefits of such programs include a no-cost option for the town, reduced electricity demand on the state’s transmissions and distribution system, reduced emission of harmful environmental pollutants and energy independence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the town council commits to allocating 100% of any electricity savings to additional town purchases of clean energy and that the Community Planning & Physical Services Committee continues to oversee the progress of the town’s commitment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council encourages residents and businesses to choose the clean energy option on their electricity bill when it becomes available, and will declare a Clean Energy Day in the spring to announce the town’s commitment to 20% by 2010 and raise awareness of the clean energy option.

McClay, Slifka, Spada, Coursey, Thornberry, Cantor, Carpenter, Verrengia, Connors

1-25-05